Upside Down Crucifix Worn in my Presence

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Today, a person who I had been polite to, despite their dark and grousome way of life, had the nerve to wear an upside down crucifix in my presence. Already knowing that I am Catholic and I get feedback from some about my “inability to change them.” I don’t think anyone wants us to engage in any kind of battle. I glorified Jesus Christ by turning my cheek while there and going to a correctly placed crucifix to pray about these transgressions against me, along with the temptation to correct the act myself. The disgust infuriated me. I had to really take some time to get a grip on the problem. It seems at times as though a person who tries to do well in the faith will find themselves around many challengers. The aggravation is gone after prayer, as it should be, and the issue addressed.

I really don’t think people that permit this sort of thing are thinking properly about their own well being. They ought to reconsider authorizing such things around them.
 
The upside down cross is also known as the Cross of Saint Peter, given that he was crucified upside down. Maybe you can redirect it in their head, and pray for Saint Peter’s intercession for them.
 
The upside down cross is representative of Saint Peter… NOT the upside down crucifix! To the best of my knowledge, Jesus Christ is the only one depicted on the (worn) crucifix and we are reminded by the inscription above him most oftenly. The intercession of Saint Peter sounds wonderful for those who do such evil and provocative things, but that explanation may simply lead to additional blasphemies. Good remarks, as I know you are trying your best. I’m sorry to say it is a disgrace.
 
Wearing a blessed and exorcised St. Benedict Crucifix in his presence is likely going to work wonders.

This does take courage, but if he’s so bold as to mock your faith and your God, then you should be so bold as to fight back. His upside down crucifix is powerless. Your St. Benedict Medal and the Cross of the Lord aren’t.
 
Why are you associating with people that make you uncomfortable.
 
CatholicSpirit said:
The upside down cross is representative of Saint Peter… NOT the upside down crucifix! To the best of my knowledge, Jesus Christ is the only one depicted on the crucifix and we are reminded by the inscription above him most oftenly. The intercession of Saint Peter sounds wonderful for those who do such evil and provocative things, but that explanation may simply lead to additional blasphemies. Good remarks, as I know you are trying your best. I’m sorry to say it is a disgrace.
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Ah, that’s a good point I missed. My apologies.
 
Brother, you are forgiven, trying to help with sound advice are good works. I am protected very strongly, though I do worry for peers and neighbors. They should not be forced to encounter such things. If the same be said for me, they ought to know who is truly on their side. It is certainly a deliberately infectious artifact and the wearer certainly needs to refrain from wearing it.
 
I would do 2 things:
  1. Make sure I wear a crucifix myself every day.
  2. Tell the person I’ll pray for them, knowing there is absolutely nothing they can do about it.
 
CatholicSpirit said:
The upside down cross is representative of Saint Peter… NOT the upside down crucifix! To the best of my knowledge, Jesus Christ is the only one depicted on the (worn) crucifix and we are reminded by the inscription above him most oftenly. The intercession of Saint Peter sounds wonderful for those who do such evil and provocative things, but that explanation may simply lead to additional blasphemies. Good remarks, as I know you are trying your best. I’m sorry to say it is a disgrace.
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Ah, that is a very helpful distinction. Thanks!
 
CatholicSpirit said:
Today, a person who I had been polite to, despite their dark and grousome way of life, had the nerve to wear an upside down crucifix in my presence. Already knowing that I am Catholic and I get feedback from some about my “inability to change them.” I don’t think anyone wants us to engage in any kind of battle. I glorified Jesus Christ by turning my cheek while there and going to a correctly placed crucifix to pray about these transgressions against me, along with the temptation to correct the act myself. The disgust infuriated me. I had to really take some time to get a grip on the problem. It seems at times as though a person who tries to do well in the faith will find themselves around many challengers. The aggravation is gone after prayer, as it should be, and the issue addressed.

I really don’t think people that permit this sort of thing are thinking properly about their own well being. They ought to reconsider authorizing such things around them.
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I’m sorry, but reading what you wrote here seems more about you than Jesus.

Furthermore, in the midst of my most loyal and spiritual days I’d never have been upset at someone wearing an upside down crucifix in my presence, and I had a lot of instances where people did come to heckle and expected a mean and nasty “Christian” response. rather I’d feel sorry for them and wonder why they’d feel threatened by my faith to do something like that and respond kindly as that’s what Jesus wants. It’s not an us vs them type thing. That very person wearing the upsidown crucifix may someday be a better Christian than you. “There but for the grace of God go I” Jesus Christ just wants you to love them and win them to Him anyway.
It seems to me what's more likely you used faith in a way that came across as snotty to another and they instigated back. That's why they "had the nerve". I'd suggest you look at what you are doing and how you are coming across to others. It may just be more human behavior/misunderstanding problem than anything spiritual.
 
Smile and pray.

One thing that always gets me about Muslims is their need to defend Allah. Apparently Allah isn’t capable of defending himself. He seems to need his servants to go and fight for him.

Our God doesn’t need us to do that. Remember what Jesus told St Peter in the Garden, for that matter remember what Jesus told Pilate about His kingdom not being of this world if it was His followers would rise up.

Smile and pray for his soul, he needs it, more than most.
 
porthos11 said:
Wearing a blessed and exorcised St. Benedict Crucifix in his presence is likely going to work wonders.

This does take courage, but if he’s so bold as to mock your faith and your God, then you should be so bold as to fight back. His upside down crucifix is powerless. Your St. Benedict Medal and the Cross of the Lord aren’t.
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THIS^^^^
 
AnneElizabeth said:
I’m sorry, but reading what you wrote here seems more about you than Jesus.

Furthermore, in the midst of my most loyal and spiritual days I’d never have been upset at someone wearing an upside down crucifix in my presence, and I had a lot of instances where people did come to heckle and expected a mean and nasty “Christian” response. rather I’d feel sorry for them and wonder why they’d feel threatened by my faith to do something like that and respond kindly as that’s what Jesus wants. It’s not an us vs them type thing. That very person wearing the upsidown crucifix may someday be a better Christian than you. “There but for the grace of God go I” Jesus Christ just wants you to love them and win them to Him anyway.
Code: 
  It seems to me what's more likely you used faith in a way that came across as snotty to another and they instigated back.  That's why they "had the nerve".  I'd suggest you look at what you are doing and how you are coming across to others.   It may just be more human behavior/misunderstanding problem than anything spiritual.
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I have to strongly agree with the sentiments expressed in this reply. You seem to be either suffering from pride, or have some sort of savior complex. If something like this bothers you, then address it as charitably as you can, and then say a prayer for that person. But I have to ask: does this offend you because the person was trying to hurt you’re feelings? Or did it offend you because it’s a mockery of Christ?

You seem to be way too concerned with how this made you feel, and not concerned enough with how this was an offense against God. You even point out how the person wearing an upside down crucifix was offending you. Don’t be so upset with other people’s “nerve” when it comes to offending you. You’re not the center of the universe. Pray for them.
 
seagal said:
I would do 2 things:
  1. Make sure I wear a crucifix myself every day.
  2. Tell the person I’ll pray for them, knowing there is absolutely nothing they can do about it.
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And carry a small bottle of holy water. I usually have one in my pocket every day.
 
I think I would just say, ‘Wow! Your wearing the upside down cross of S. Peter,’ and let it go at that. Just let the other person munch on that. Don’t sound snarky about it. Peace.
 
I’m not really fond of the comparison in some posts being made here regarding my feelings during the situation. “Oh, was it because it was an offense against you or god?” Then, adding that Muslims heavily defend insults against god.

If you prefer to be part of the problem, then you may continue giving this particular individual more ammunition against me than was already used. But, I do not intend to honor those deeds, nor should anyone. What is known of these “things” is that no good comes from them and a door to evil is swung wide open. It is certainly one thing to discover a crucifix like this improperly stored and panic into devotion. This, however, was manufactured by the hands of one who corrupts as an agent of Satan and equips his devotees.

If you do not understand that, you ought to think a bit less about my goal of conversion, because according to many Exorcists, it is clear that Satan is at work here. And, I did suffer a bit of paranoia that some “egged this on” from the Protestant side of the fence due to my public usage of the sign of the cross before most of that which I ingest. Sadly, they should be pitied if that is the case because Satan ought to not be their hero (to attempt to conquer he who uses the sign of the cross).
 
CatholicSpirit said:
I’m not really fond of the comparison in some posts being made here regarding my feelings during the situation. “Oh, was it because it was an offense against you or god?” Then, adding that Muslims heavily defend insults against god.

If you prefer to be part of the problem, then you may continue giving this particular individual more ammunition against me than was already used. But, I do not intend to honor those deeds, nor should anyone. What is known of these “things” is that no good comes from them and a door to evil is swung wide open. It is certainly one thing to discover a crucifix like this improperly stored and panic into devotion. This, however, was manufactured by the hands of one who corrupts as an agent of Satan and equips his devotees.

If you do not understand that, you ought to think a bit less about my goal of conversion, because according to many Exorcists, it is clear that Satan is at work here. And, I did suffer a bit of paranoia that some “egged this on” from the Protestant side of the fence due to my public usage of the sign of the cross before most of that which I ingest. Sadly, they should be pitied if that is the case because Satan ought to not be their hero (to attempt to conquer he who uses the sign of the cross).
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And again, why not just walk away and NOT associate with these people.

We are NOT Exorcists. We are laity. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis tells us not to dialogue with the devil, so ignore it.
 
“You” can not convert anyone. You can be a good and kind example and be a source of grace and prayer, but let your prayers go to the Lord and He will do the rest. Do pray for the person, but not with a certain malice or as a scandalized, judgmental person. When Father says “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord,” do that the best you know how. Peace
 
Mary_Estelle said:
I think I would just say, ‘Wow! Your wearing the upside down cross of S. Peter,’ and let it go at that. Just let the other person munch on that. Don’t sound snarky about it. Peace.
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I would add to that, by also telling them the story of St Peter. A little faith history helps humanize the situation over their attempt to mock your faith.
 
I agree! With a nice, interested voice I’d also remark on how great it is that he is wearing the cross of St. Peter, the first pope who was crucified upside down because in his humility he didn’t want to suffer upright like Jesus.Then I’d quickly walk away and leave him musing on that one 🙂 This is a good opportunity for you!
Have no fear. Remember that Jesus has already WON. Be confident and joyful.
 
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